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I played bowls today with Ian and recognised the name as a player from late 70s when I was a young kid and never had the chance to see him play really. I know he was Coppells assistant in the 80's and I quizzed him on all things Palace until he got bored! What was he like as a player? Was he a favourite with the fans?

Probably most famous for having his leg broken by a George Best tackle.

I thought he was a very good centre half. The injury was horrendous although no malice at all.I was at the game and recall it quite vividly.His injury opened the door for Billy Gilbert to come in and play alongside Jim Cannon.

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First game: March 30th 1963.
Palace 6 - Bradford Park Ave 0.
I thought it would be like that every week.....

"In 1977, Ian Evans' right leg was broken in a tackle with George Best. He suffered a compound fracture and was out for two years. He went on loan to Barnsley and then the Yorkshire club took the southerner on a permanent deal. He was an experienced centre-half and the club decided to partner him with a young, local centre-back called Mick McCarthy. They struck a handy deal: McCarthy showed him Yorkshire, Evans showed him the ropes."

I thought he was a very good centre half. The injury was horrendous although no malice at all.I was at the game and recall it quite vividly.His injury opened the door for Billy Gilbert to come in and play alongside Jim Cannon.

Maybe not but guess how many times Best visited him in hospital,phoned him or wrote to him?

Really good,commanding centre half.I think Palace thought he was finished after the injury otherwise we wouldn't have let him go.Was a real surprise at the time when he washed up at Barnsley and had a good spell there....

Much more than OK, was excellent for us, dominating in the air. A bit like Scott Dann, but seemed more dominant

Thinking about it ... one reason he seemed (and was I'm sure) more dominant was the quality and stability of our defence - Jim Cannon, Kenny Samson, Paul Hinshelwood, Tony Burns in goal (I think). Venables' Palace team wasn't the most exciting but we were built on a solid defence. One thing badly lacking in today's side at the moment.